‘Robin Hood of triathlon’ turfed after viral gel theft stunt

Nutrition is everything, as we know…but is it worth getting the boot?

American triathlete Cody Kraut was disqualified from Ironman 70.3 Oceanside after posting a viral video showing him removing large amounts of on-course nutrition and handing it off mid-race.
In the clip, Kraut joked about getting “maximum value” from the entry fee, but the reaction online was swift, with most calling it unsportsmanlike. Ironman officials reviewed the footage and issued a DSQ, removing him from the results.

Kraut later claimed the act was meant as a protest, arguing race culture has become overly competitive and toxic. Or something. Here is what Kraut posted in full.

The verdict on “balancing the scales” of the Ironman entry fee:

Kraut’s post:

I spoke with Ironman officials and had the opportunity to express my perspective. We came to a mutual understanding on the outcome, but first I want to clear the air. My intent was simple. I paid for the event, aid stations are there to be used, so I used them. I acquired 1 Maurten at each station. Why bring it home? Because we all pay a premium to be there. Why film it? It happened to be the only clip my family captured that day. Why post it? To speak on pricing and where it’s headed in the sport. As for culture, in my experience over the last few years, it’s shifted. What once felt like a purely supportive environment has changed to cutting people off in registration and the morning of the event loading in the transition area to yelling at each other on the course. Some of you still represent that standard well and it shows.

Others… not so much. Did I intend to add to that problem? No. But I can see how my actions contributed instead of helping. Hearing that some athletes were left without nutrition on the back half of the run didn’t sit right with me. My intent was to never contribute to that factor. We all agreed this fell under unsportsmanlike conduct, and Ironman made the decision to disqualify me from Oceanside. I accept that. If I were in their position I would have done the same knowing the full outcome. What started as “getting my money’s worth” crossed into impacting other athletes and disrespecting Maurten. For the reasons expressed above, I apologize to the affected parties. I’m grateful to still have the opportunity to compete in future events and vow to uphold the culture as I remember it moving forward.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cody Kraut (@das_kraut475)